For several weeks already I have firmly intended to write
you a word or two to wish you a truly prosperous and Happy New
Year. Well, I am pretty late in doing this.

I think you may feel inclined to excuse me if I tell you
that in December I was indisposed.

But at the same time I can inform you that I have completely
recovered, and am at work again, and everything is normal.

Although it is winter here too, and, what is worse, part of
the country is flooded, at times we have a good deal milder
weather than you do in Holland. Be so kind as to take good note
of the fact that I am writing you these few words, in case Theo
has told you about my having been indisposed for a while.
However, I hope he understood of his own accord that it was not
worth troubling to inform you of it.

But so that there may be no worrying on your part, nor even
any question of it, I am writing you myself.

For this very reason I have postponed answering Jet Mauve's
letter, which, however, I hope to do shortly; and at the same
time I thank Wil kindly for her last letter.

My having been unwell has provided the opportunity for
getting acquainted with quite a number of people, and I think
it's probable that I shall have to do a number of
portraits.

I so much hope everything is all right with you all,
especially your health. As for myself, my having been
indisposed for a few days has in fact refreshed me
considerably, and I think there is a chance that there will be
nothing the matter with me for a long time to come.

Meanwhile I shall be very pleased to get a letter from you
one of these days. Although it is still rather a thing of the
future, I suppose you are often thinking of Theo's intended
visit to you. I should not be greatly surprised if he went a
little earlier than usual this year, that is before the
exhibition instead of after.

But all the same he will have to act according to
circumstances.

I could not help thinking of you rather often these days, be
assured of that, and believe me,

Yours lovingly, Vincent

At this time, Vincent was 35 year old

Source:Vincent van Gogh. Letter to His Parents. Written 7 January 1889 in Arles. Translated by Mrs. Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, edited by Robert Harrison, number .URL: http://webexhibits.org/vangogh/letter/19/569a.htm.